Author's Note: Thank you all for the patience y'all have had with me taking me ages to pump out chapters. I am currently homeless and use Starbucks's internet to write. Cerebral palsy makes it difficult for me to type for long periods. I also work 6-7 days per week which leaves me little time to write.
I exited the bathroom with my head held high, now that I had a better understanding. Ok, that's a lie. More like, I had a better understanding of why they parted like the Red Sea when I got close to them. Other than that, I'm still clueless. I have a new body with powers, but no idea where I am. I glance around the room, my eyes glaring at the sick girl. Could I help her? Hunter told me it would be too much stress on me to try, but I also needed to test these powers. I turned my gaze to Amaya.
"I will take half my payment now and the other half after I treat her. Is this fair to you, Amaya?"
"I must advise against this, my lady."
"I didn't ask you."
The other staff had a mix of concern on their faces, but none of them spoke. The Harpy girl gave me a hard glare and I could see she wanted to say something. I raised a brow, daring her to speak up. Amaya glared a warning at her. I hated this; even in my old body, I hated silence and when folks withheld their thoughts. I took a few steps towards her and the others moved to maintain the distance.
I rubbed my temples as I spoke. "For fuck's sake, stop. Just. Stop. I will not be touching you. I will not bump into you. Another thing, speak your damn mind. The silence is driving me mad."
"Why should Amaya pay you when you are the reason this happened?" Another girl asked.
"Is it not reasonable to ask for compensation when my clothes have disappeared? The ocean probably destroyed them. I have nothing to my name." I tried to soften my tone, but it still came across as icy.
"That doesn't concern us, Witch." The Harpy Fairy spat.
"You spit it as an insult, but I am what I am. However, my name is Serafina; You will address me by it. Am I clear?"
"Serafina, I agree with your terms. You are correct; the ocean ruined your clothes. However, as sick as you are, I cannot agree to allow you to leave for clothing." Amaya chimed in.
"Right?! What if she tries to escape?" Another girl chirped.
"I can move through the shadows, you fool. If I wanted to leave, I would have already left." I growled back, already done with The Brady Bunch. "Speaking of which, I'm leaving with or without your precious consent."
"Can you make it to the shops, my lady?"
"I might need your help."
"Traveling through the shadows would be easiest."
"I'd rather walk and familiarize myself with the area."
"If that is your wish..."
"-advise that." I missed an entire conversation.
"Repeat that."
"I cannot advise that as a medical professional," Amaya repeated sternly.
"How much longer will this dance go on? I don't have the time."
"Get half the coins and await my command, Hunter."
"As you wish."
"Why are you so insistent?" One girl asked.
"Would you rather my skin remains exposed?" I countered.
I heard Amaya sigh. "You make a good point. I'll go with you since you're under my care."
Understandably, there was an uproar from the rest of the staff… and Hunter, but only I heard his complaints. At the audacity, I was a deer in the headlights. I took a deep breath, exhaled slowly, and shook my head. I knew she had to do her job, but she also seemed too invested in me for me to be comfortable with the idea. I stretched in place and turned to leave, flashing a glare at the staff. One of them had put on rubber gloves and made a move towards me. I could only grin at the foolishness.
"Now Hunter!"
The staff could only watch in shock as the shadows devoured my form dramatically. Hunter pulled me closer as he manipulated the shadows. I didn't fight it, as the fairies had exhausted me. I closed my eyes, wobbling in place, but thankfully, Hunter held me steady. When I opened my eyes, we were at a vacant beach, under a shady tree. Hunter helped me sit down as I looked at him in confusion.
"Why are we here?"
"You're weak and need nourishment."
"A beach, Hunter. I would have to go out to sea to fish." I sounded so done.
Hunter said nothing as his shadowed figure floated into the trees and shook the branches. Several fruits the size of apples pummeled my head; Hunter cackled in my mind as I released a sigh and picked up a fruit. It was a mix of reds and yellows, but it didn't scream poisonous. I doubt Hunter would harm me. He appeared too invested in my health and safety to attempt it. Speaking of which…
I craned my neck to look up at him. "Do you happen to -"
Hunter's red eyes morphed into a mischievous tone. Even though the shadows hid his form, I had no problem with interpreting his body language. It was an odd thing. He took his time, coming down from his perch at a slow pace. I dusted off the sand that sprinkled the fruit before biting into it. The flavor was amazing; it was so juicy and sweet! Hunter finally appeared before me and produced a small… backpack?
"What is this?"
"The medical staff can always gain more with their salaries."
I finished the fruit quickly and tossed aside the remains. Wordlessly, I opened the bag and found several beneficial objects such as an unused hairbrush, bandages, scrubs, and a bag of coins. There were other things, but that's what stood out the most at the moment. I looked around before changing out of the hospital gown and into the scrubs. I could feel Hunter's eyes on me as I changed, but I didn't care. Even in my old body, I was comfortable changing in public. I lifted my shirt and looked down at my bandaged torso, pleased with the healing progress. The pain wasn't overbearing, but it still hurt. Hunter passed me new bandages and medicine wordlessly as I slowly peeled off the soiled wrappings. The amount of blood that covered them made me cringe.
"Hunter, do you know how to wrap this?"
Hunter nodded and took his time giving me the medical care I required. For a murderous individual, he had his gentle moments. The ocean sounds plus the sea birds relaxed me enough to lean against the tree and sighed contently. The waves relaxed me enough where I could doze off if I pleased, if it wasn't for Hunter. He had other ideas, clearly. I watched him put up the items and then nudge me forward gently.
"Come. You must see."
"A beach." I reiterated. "Just sand and water."
I could hear him snort in my head, but I still followed. The sun thankfully hid behind the clouds, which made Hunter content. I let him herd me to a rock that overlooked the ocean; it gave a pleasant view. The sunset was a mix of oranges, reds, and purples. It gave off a soothing vibe, yet Hunter's nudges told me this wasn't what he wanted me to see. I growled at him as his nudges became more forceful; just what the hell caught his attention? I scanned the ocean and glimpsed ships in the far distance. Fishermen?
"Not fishermen, My Lady, but pirates; the realm of Andros has had dealings with them for many years."
"Realm? Andros?"
"I see many lessons are in order." I wasn't able to determine if he was disappointed or irritated.
"I wanted to go shopping, Hunter."
"Do you even remember how to use the currency?"
I groaned and put my head in my hands. "No."
"Many lessons indeed." It sounded gentler this time.
I sighed as I raised my head. "You planned this."
I heard him cackle inside my head while gently turning my head to the left. There were ripples in the water, reminding me of how humpback whales left prints after they leaped out of the water. I hummed a soft tune while glancing around. I could see colorful tails… and human arms?! Raising a brow, I could not believe it. Pirates? Magic? Fairies? Merpeople? This was not Peter Pan. What?! Hunter must have sensed my stress because it was not long before he had me wrapped up in his shadowed form.
"Some of them helped you to the surface. In time, you'll meet them. For now, focus on your lessons. Tonight, we'll begin with currency and history. Tomorrow, your magic."
Hunter stayed true to his words. I learned a lot from him that evening. Some of these terms sounded familiar, like a distant memory; yet, I couldn't place it. Hunter softened his tone as he taught me, which surprised me. I knew he was dangerous, but towards me, he behaved differently. Whenever I made a mistake, he worked with me. Towards me, he offered a constant companion, which I needed. How often did I lose my memories? This was not the first time for him, that's for sure. We worked well into the night and only stopped when I yawned. The last thing I remember is Hunter laying me down and standing guard.
